Hate That I Love You

7. Perrie - Taking Back The Time We Can't Replace

All my worries slipped away when I spun around and spotted Eric behind me with a bouquet of roses and I ran to him, even if I was about to rip Zayn’s head off for stepping on my foot the whole time we were dancing. Out of all those boys, why did they have to pair me up with Zayn? He’s horrible, seriously. The world keeps putting us together and I’m being driven mad by it.

“I missed you so much, love.” Eric whispers to my ear and nod silently, just soaking up the feeling that he’s next to me right now, that this isn’t a dream.

I didn’t expect that Eric was going to go back into my life again. When we broke up I kind of lost hope on us, on every single guy too because I only love Eric. It was Zayn’s fault that my relationship got ruined.

He just barged into my life, ruined our friendship, and my relationship with Eric. He ruined me as if he didn’t know, but since the girls and I got in after their season, I needed to be tough and face everything bravely even though my heart was crushed in pieces when Eric left me. Don’t get me wrong, I did slightly fancy Zayn before at boot camp, we were actually friends for quite some time before the bet. After that he just…changed, especially now.

Maybe it was true that fame changes people and I’m not talking just physically, because Zayn now might be looking even better than he did before but his attitude took a turn for the worst. I suppose it changed me too. I was no longer the shy girl from South Shields but now I’m ready to take up every challenge that comes my way. Being with the girls also helped me a lot and we channel all of our feelings into our songs.

I nod as relief rushes through me, “I missed you too. I’m glad you can make it.”

“Hey Eric!” Jade greets and Eric breaks free from me to give her a high five, the girls all approach us.

“Pez, I think you should introduce him to the boys.” Jesy whispers and I almost forgot that the boys and some of the crew were around me, probably confused on what’s happening.

Well, most of them. I’m quite sure Zayn never forgot.

I held Eric’s hand and smiled up at him as we went to the boys who were standing politely next to each other, “Hi boys, this is my boyfriend, Eric.”

“I’m Liam, and these are Niall, Harry, Louis, and…Zayn.” Liam says as they shake hands, his voice slightly faltering as he glanced cautiously at Zayn.

“It’s nice to meet you.” Eric smiles as the boys shake his hand, but I swear the tension around the room felt thick when he shook Zayn’s hand and they locked gazes with each other.

“Okay, why don’t we all freshen up and head to dinner?” I clap my hands together in an attempt to snap the both of them out of their trance. They let go of each other but the lingering glares were still there as we, along with the crew, went out the back door to head to the hotel and eat at the restaurant just below it. I excuse myself to the bathroom in our dressing room first and changed into a dress and flats; trying to exude gracefulness while Eric’s around. We got into the van and headed on our way.

“You look great.” He complimented me as I sat next to him and I mumbled out my thanks. “Do you maybe want to skip dinner tonight? We can go out on our own.”

Dinner with Eric would be fun anyway, and I feel slightly giddy at the thought of spending time with him alone. He’s matured nicely since the last time I saw him and I couldn’t be happier when he called me up one day and told me that he wanted to give us another try.

“Sure, why not? I’ll go tell the girls.” I smile at him and he nods, wrapping his arm around me.

When we got down the van, there were a group of fans waiting outside the hotel and I was pleased, but a little bit worried on how they would react to us. I held Eric’s hand tightly as we were maneuvered by the bodyguards straight to the hotel, and I tried my best to wave at the people a little even though the bright flashes of the cameras hurt my eyes.